Expect some FirsetNet builds by the end of the year, but pace will pick up in 2018
Earlier this week, AT&T and the First Responders Network Authority released state plans for the multi-billion build of a nationwide LTE network for first responders. Later in the week, during the Wells Fargo 5G Forum, AT&T Senior Vice President of Technology Planning and Engineering Scott Mair shared details of the FirstNet timeline, as well as the opportunity presented by the new allocation of 60 megahertz of 700 MHz spectrum.
Mair explained AT&T would leverage the FirstNet build to further bolster its commercial business as a function of not only spectrum sharing, but also deployment logistics.
“We’re going to use the FirstNet build, and as we touch the towers to build FirstNet, we’re going to put that other spectrum [AWS and WCS] to use. That’s going to put a lot of capacity into the network. When you touch the tower, you’re not just touching it for FirstNet, but you’re touching it to put other bands of spectrum…in service as well.”
Mair continued to note that the public-private partnership, which includes $6.5 billion in government funding over five years, will also allow AT&T to use the 700 MHz spectrum that comes with the FirstNet deal for its commercial service, which would also be available on a priority basis to government players prior to the actual activation of FirstNet.
“When it’s not being used for first responders,” Mair said, “AT&T will be able to use it for our commercial business. It’ll be shared spectrum. The other aspect is, as the states opt in…they will have access to AT&T’s commercial network, as it sits today, on a priority basis. First responder organizations don’t have to wait…for us to build before they get FirstNet capabilities. They’ll be able to use our commercial network.”
In terms of timeline, with the state plans now in circulation, states have 90 days to review the plans, provide feedback and get a response from AT&T. At the end of the 90 days, a second 90-day period starts during which authorities will decide to opt-in or opt-out. If the call is to opt-out, states have 180 days to develop their own plan, issue an RFP and get approval from the Federal Communications Commission.
Mair said, “As soon as somebody opts in, we will start designing and building that network. The build may start minimally by the end of the year, but it’s really going to be 2018. But our implementation process will start right when they opt in. In the meantime, they’ll still be able to get FirstNet capability on our network.”
